Shaving Without Shaving Cream

Not using shaving cream doesn’t have to be a big deal if you replace it with another lubricant. Shaving without any lubricant at all is when you start to run into problems.

You run a greater risk of damaging your skin when you shave without any kind of cream or another lubricant leading to things such as razor bumps, razor burn, and ingrown hairs.

The hair of your beard will be stiffer and harder to remove when you don’t soften it with shaving cream so hydrating the skin and moisturizing are essential.

Worst of all you run a drastically increased chance of cutting yourself with the blade of your manual razor in which case you can use an electric shaver to completely eliminate the risk of cutting yourself.

If you’re not interested in using shaving cream then it’s vital you use a replacement. Shaving cream can be expensive as well as affect those with sensitive skin. Although, you can make your own homemade shaving cream which is much softer on the skin. You can learn how to make it here.

 

Shaving Without Shaving Cream Preparation

If you shave without shaving cream you can make things worse for your skin. However, if you’re using shaving cream alternatives then you may find results vary. In which case ensuring you have a solid prep routine will make up for the difference until you find a substitute that works best for you and your skin.

Prepare your face with warm water

This step of taking a warm shower is crucial because your beard will absorb the water at a warm temperature, making your facial hair softer and easier to cut. Also, the warmth relaxes facial muscles and makes shaving so much easier.

Get a fresh blade

Nothing could be worse than gliding a blunt blade across your skin and shaving without a lubricant. Making sure you have a fresh blade is of the utmost importance as a dull blade will not only harm your skin but not give you the cleanest shave possible.

Cleanse your skin

The use of a cleanser or exfoliating before shaving will loosen dead skin cells and clear your pores. It will also help prevent the razor from becoming overloaded with dead skin cells, which lessens its effectiveness. Exfoliating before shaving can provide your razor with a much smoother surface to glide across for a smoother shave.

 

What To Look For In A Shaving Cream Alternative

When searching for a substitute, it’s essential to find products that provide these properties.

1. Cushion: This will help to add a barrier between your skin and the razor blade. Well-cushioned shaving cream will help to reduce irritation and razor burn.
2. Lubrication: This allows the razor blade to glide along the skin’s surface without causing micro-cuts or causing scraping.
3. Heat Retention: A rich and thick lather will retain the heat on the surface of the skin. This helps to make the skin more pliable, along with softening the facial hair.

 

Risks Involved When Not Using Shaving Cream

Nicks and cuts

It can start from nicks and cuts until it increases your risk for a shaving injury. Little to no lubrication due to the absence of lather means less protection on your skin when you shave.

Razor burn

Shaving without shaving cream is sure to cause razor burn will show a red rash after shaving without using a lubricant. It usually appears as red areas on the skin, and we can consider them a form of irritant contact dermatitis. Its symptoms may include burning, redness, itching, and stinging.

Razor bumps

If you don’t prep your skin for the razor with a lubricant, you’re more likely to end up with shave irritation. Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that appear days after shaving. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair breaks off unevenly and curls back into the skin, resulting in a painful, acne-like bump.

 

Shaving Cream Alternatives

Shea Butter

Shea butter is usually used for a pre-shower or post-shave moisturizer, but it can help you get a smooth shave as well. Shea butter used in place of shaving cream makes the blades of a razor remove hair more smoothly, allowing for a very close shave.

Baby Oil

Baby oil allows you to see your skin better while you shave, reducing the chances of nicks, cuts, razor bumps, and other irritations. On top of this, its slick nature helps razors glide more smoothly. You can also rely on other types of oils in a pinch. Coconut oil, olive oil, and even varieties like avocado oil all make shaving simple, smooth, and pain-free.

Peanut Butter

This one may sound odd but it’s been shown to work due to its smooth and natural moisturizing properties. This shouldn’t be your first choice but it’s worth knowing about.

Aloe Vera

Nature’s best moisturizer is undoubtedly aloe vera. This plant is like magic for your skin and that means it’s also like magic for your face when you run out of shaving cream. Aloe vera is probably your best bet for a shaving cream alternative so if we had to recommend just one of these then aloe vera is the way to go.

Hair Conditioner

If you’re in the shower and have run out of shaving cream then a hair conditioner is a great replacement. Hair conditioner is rich in skin-beneficial ingredients and designed to hydrate, so helps provide a slick surface on your skin, and softens your hairs. It works just as well as shaving cream and can leave your skin feeling softer than usual.

Honey

Another one of nature’s gifts is honey which has a ton of health benefits, one of which is making a great shaving cream alternative. The enzymes present in honey help to soften your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce irritation after shaving making it great for soothing and cleaning wounds. Honey as a shaving cream alternative provides a barrier that protects your skin while preventing potential damage so it’s easily one of the top choices here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I shave with lotion?

In short, yes. It’s most important that your skin has a layer of protection between it and your razor, so shaving cream, lotion, or a body oil all work to provide that.

Can I shave with bar soap?

Purchase a bar that contains moisturizers even baby soap or a facial/body bar is a good choice. People also forget that shampoo, gentle on your hair, can be swished all over the body and used to shave the places you need to shave!

Why is dry shaving bad?

The biggest drawback to dry shaving, with either an electric or blade razor, is skin irritation. Using too much pressure while shaving can also cause irritation, and in some instances, razor burn.

Are shaving creams safe?

Shaving creams can be toxic because these mineral oils encourage the skin pores to close, not allowing toxins to be released and increasing the incidence of infections and acne breakouts.